FEATURE...

Manataka: A Rainbow of Winter Traditions

By Linda VanBibber, Manataka Correspondent

The time of the Winter Solstice was held sacred by the five-fingered race long before recorded history.   All over our Mother Earth the celebration of the birth of the Sun/Son has created a rainbow of traditions to express joy and hope to all our relations.

In the northern hemisphere, from the time of the Autumn Equinox until the time of the Winter Solstice, the days grow progressively shorter and the nights progressively longer.   This phenomena is caused by the tilt of the Mother Earth’s axis that points to the North Star. 

Mother also dances in rotation around the Sun.  With this dance and the tilt of axis, the Seasons are created.  In the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun appears high in Father Sky during the summer and very low during the winter.   Sun is at its lowest elevation at the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year.

All over America there can be found stone structures created to mark the movements of Sun, his strengthening and waning in the Equinoxes and Solstices.

Winter is a difficult time for indigenous peoples in the Northern Hemisphere.  The abundance of summer plants is no longer available. Only meat and stored provisions allowed them to survive this long darkness and cold.  Each day grows shorter, each night longer.  And so they waited and watched for the new Birth of Brother Sun to bring hope and increasing warmth. 

The relief and joy of the People was great when the days were noted to be again lengthening in promise of spring and a return of abundance.   Many months of cold winter remained, but hope was born with the gradual return of the Sun.  Solstice celebration could occur as soon as this ‘rebirth’ was affirmed, generally about four or five days after the Longest Night of the Winter Solstice.  And this is so to this day.

The First Nations Peoples of North American celebrated this great hope in many ways.  The Pueblo People made prayer sticks and prayed for abundance for their people.  The Hopi observed special rituals to assist the Sun in his rebirth and return lasting 20 days and followed by feasting and celebration.

With cold and limited provisions pressing hard upon the People, we might think that hoarding and protecting of the provisions for personal use might be the natural order during these winter months.  But this is not so.  Regardless how limited provisions might be, the Elders and the children of the tribes are fed and receive care.   Traditions abound concerning the feeding of strangers during the winter.  And not just what crumbs one might have to share, but of giving of the best. 

One way that many Native Americans still observe the Winter Solstice is with the making of Prayer Sticks.  The Prayer sticks, which are named after an ancestor or other Spirit are made several days before the Solstice and are ‘planted’ in small holes on the day of the Solstice. 

If your family would like to make Prayer Sticks this Solstice, the first step is to gather the sticks.  The stick is generally taken from a cedar tree after making an offering of tobacco to the tree and asking permission to take some of it’s branches.  The sticks are to be long enough to measure from the elbow to the tips of the fingers of the family member making the stick and should have a fork at one end.  The bark can be left on the stick or stripped off.  A feather and a bit of tobacco wrapped in red cloth are tied to the forks of the stick.  Other things that the person wishes to honor may be added to the stick such as bits of bone, fur or leather.  As these items are being added, the person making the stick should be praying silently, requesting aid and honoring the Spirit for whom the stick is named.

Today, most Native Americans observe Christmas.  The earliest mention of a Christmas celebration in North America occurred in 1641.  A Jesuit missionary, Jean de Brefeuf, lived with the Hurons and composed a Christmas carol in the Huron language which told the story of the birth of the Infant Jesus  -- with a few details changed from the biblical story.  Father Brebeuf described a baby wrapped in rabbit skin, sleeping in a loged of broken bark and visited by hunters with gifts of skins.   This carol, called Jesous Ahatonnia (Jesus is born) was still being sung 100 years later.

The traditions of Christmas, introduced by Europeans, have continued to be entwined with the Solstice traditions of the First Nations people.   Many of these traditions associated with Christian Christmas today, such as holly, mistletoe and ‘Christmas’ trees were also originally the elements of Winter Solstice celebrations around the world.   The traditions of Christmas everywhere truly reflect a Rainbow of celebrations rooted in joy.

"Shall we liken Christmas to the web in a loom? There are many weavers, who

work into the pattern the experience of their lives. When one generation goes,

another comes to take up the weft where it has been dropped. The pattern

changes as the mind changes, yet never begins quite anew. At first, we are not

sure that we discern the pattern, but at last we see that, unknown to the weavers

themselves, something has taken shape before our eyes, and that they have made

something very beautiful, something which compels our understanding."

--Earl W. Count, 4,000 Years of Christmas

Everyday is Christmas at Manataka.  We honor all traditions of hope and joy at this time and at every time of the year.  We seek to center our lives around the Spirit of Giving and walking the good Red Road.  We seek to make everything we do a Spiritual act.  

Aho!

Manataka™ American Indian Council is a non-profit, 501(3C), tax-exempt, educational, multi-cultural and religious organization made up of American Indian and non-Indian people dedicated to sharing our understanding of the Spiritual way of Native peoples.  Manataka also offers a variety of community services and sponsors several public educational events throughout the year. For more information on Manataka American Indian Council visit www.manataka.org.

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No offense intended for any individuals or tribes.

When told the reason for Daylight Saving time the old Indian said...

"Only a white man would believe that you could cut a foot off the top of a blanket and sew it to the bottom of a blanket and have a longer blanket."

 

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FOOD & NUTRITION

 

AMERICAN INDIAN SOUPS AND STEWS ~ From Momfeather Erickson ~
WAHANPI STEW CLOVER SOUP GOLDEN POND LILY STEW SMOKED SALMON SOUP DRIED CORN SOUP	GREEN CHILI STEW CLOVER and DILLWEED SOUP  SUNFLOWER SEED SOUP  SOFKIA HO-CHUNK MILKWEED SOUP
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BOOK REVIEWS

 

	Voice of the Hawk Elder

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POETRY CIRCLE...

 

Quest By Juli Maltagliati T The spotted fawn I carry is as much the stuff of dreams as the arms that hold her. We go forth into the ethereal forest in search of the mother who birthed her.   I gaze down at dazzling blossoms of white silken fur on soft brown stirring beneath my breath. Air redolent with the ambrosia of newness and innocence, I trod onward into the woods, clutching the fawn to my breast like clasped penitent hands enveloped in prayer beads and trusting in mercy.   Sentinel trees exude coolness and calm, damp earth cushions each step, and daylight fades with no trace of the mother doe. Still we travel on together with sanguine expectancy, steadfast in the knowledge we will find her, unmindful that darkness encroaches, undaunted by unmarked paths guiding us deep and deeper into the feral sanctum    Copyright © 8-28-08 Juli Maltagliati

 

 

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HEALING PRAYER BASKET

Prayer and ceremony work.  Creator heals and brings peace.

 

 

 

Prayer Needed - Sickness, Injury, Troubles...

 

Carlena Joe and Melvin Bowman.  Two good friends separated by space and time need your prayers to keep their relationship strong with clear communication, love, respect, and patience.  Carlena's mother is diabetic and needs your prayers as well.  ~Bonnie Whitecloud 01-14-09

 

Jacob Chambers a 2-year old needs prayer. He is diagnosed with fluid on the brain and is going to be sent to a specialist. Pray that doctors will find the exact problem and for his healing. Helen RedWing 12-27-08

 

Gloria George (George Whitewolf's first wife), Georgetown.  Brain tumor, lung tumor, not looking too good. Thank you for any prayers you can generate for her. folks at Bear Mountain are praying for her. Thanks again for prayers.  Helen RedWing. 12-09-08  

 

Debi Pulido - Recent leg surgery.  Having pain but she doing pretty good. She could not afford blood thinner medicine so she is wearing hose and taking aspirin. Pray for this good lady.  ~Bear 11-30-08

 

Rita Sayford - my stepmother - I just learned tonight that she fell and broke her right arm/shoulder in four places - needed surgery to replace and pin the ball/shaft. Long recovery and some painful rehab is expected. She is currently hospitalized with very limited mobility, much pain. Much prayer needed for her full recovery and her lifted spirits. My stepmother is a very practical, hardworking woman of deep faith who is always taking care of others - now she needs care and encouragement.  ~Kim Summer Moon  11-24-08

Pastor Frank Sayford - my father - will have surgery to have a pacemaker/ defibrillator put in December for an enlarged heart, to manage atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, also with medication. He is in good spirits but has been in and out of the hospital in recent months. Prayers are requested for his recovery and health.  ~Kim Summer Moon  11-24-08

Valerie Eagleheart.  A loving and healing prayer request for she is a friend to all, a humble and  tireless woman dedicated to the Red Road.  She is a Sun Moon Dance Chief of many years.  She is always doing for others and is a fine example of community leadership.  Please encircle her with loving and healing words to amplify healing power. ~Carol Perez Petersen 11-23-08

 

Linda & Joe Conners, Scottsdale, AZ  This wonderful couple worked to help the homeless and those with disabilities for many years.  Now it is time that they need your prayers.  Please give them your love and prayers.  ~A little bird  11-11--08 

 

Did you submit a prayer request above?  If so, please send us an update. 

We are reluctant to remove anyone without knowing if more prayers are needed. 

 

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Crossing Over...

 

Gary Cromwell, Spokane, WA my brother in law passed 5:00 PM December7th, 2008, He has left behind his wife, my sister, Ella.  He was the stepfather of  her children for many years. Services will be in Leavenworth WA.  Red Wing Helen Vinson 12-09-08

 

Bob Foreman, 72, Redding, CA  Redding Rancheria's first tribal

chairman and a pioneer in north state American Indian health clinics, died Wednesday after a long illness. He was 72.

 

An Achumawi Pit River Indian, Foreman was remembered Thursday by friends and family as a tireless advocate for Indian rights, skilled communicator and loyal patriarch. He was born June 12, 1936, in Lake County.

 

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he worked in construction as did his father, said daughter Carla Maslin of Redding. In the late 1960s, he began his campaign to get Indians health care in the north state. His efforts paid off in 1971, with the opening of the federally financed Shasta-Trinity-Siskiyou Rural Indian Health Center in Anderson. "Bobby was a real devoted guy to his tribe," said Everett Freeman, tribal chairman of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians near Corning. "He almost single-handedly got Indian health to where it is today." Larry McClanahan, a Navajo Indian who moved to Cottonwood from Arizona in 1972, said Foreman was one of the first people he met in the north state. He and his family were glad to receive clinic services.  "He took me as I was," McClanahan recalled. "He was a man that was concerned for people." Rod Lindsay, a Shasta Lake city councilman who works with the Office of Indian Education for the Anderson Union High School District, also met Foreman through the clinic. Lindsay said Foreman was a mentor for many, sharing his knowledge of culture and history with the young.  Foreman also was instrumental in organizing the Redding Rancheria Indian Health Clinic on Churn Creek Road and served as director, later retiring as self-governance coordinator for the rancheria, Maslin said.  In 1985, when the rancheria regained its tribal status, Foreman was elected as its first chairman and subsequently served on the tribal council.  But in 2004, he and all his family members were disenrolled after a bitter dispute over his mother's maternal lineage.  The struggle took a toll on his health, Maslin said. Foreman suffered from heart and kidney problems, she said. Leah Harper, a family friend of more than 20 years who does native medicine work in Redding, said she wanted to stand out in front of the Churn Creek clinic with a "thank you" banner in Foreman's honor. "I believe that Bob had the heart of the native people and he wanted to make a difference for them," she said. "Bob was loving and the children are loving and they work very hard." In addition to Maslin, Foreman is survived by three daughters and three sons, as well as 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are pending. For her part, Maslin is grateful her father last year was able to do something he'd always wanted - to see the Grand Canyon. "He actually got emotional just looking at it," she said. "He was in awe of its beauty and couldn't believe the world had such a beautiful place."

 

Ray Fadden - Tehanetorens On November 14,  left this world to begin his journey along the stars back to the Creator's land, a place of living light where we will be embraced by those who have gone on before. His leaving means we will no longer have his counsel. His voice has been taken from us, we must make it through this life without his wisdom or his words of encouragement. He was, without doubt, one of the great human beings of our history, a true onkwehonwe who fulfilled his duties with honour.  Tehanetorens adhered to the ancient Mohawk teaching which instructs us to leave our camp, our home, this life better than when we found it.  At the 214th anniversary of the Treaty of Canandaigua the Haudenosaunee gathered at the treaty site and renewed this contract and reminded ourselves of how the actions of our ancestors have a profound effect on our lives whether or not we elect to acknowledge this. I was asked to speak before the assembly and strayed from the speech I had in mind to talk about Tehanetorens and how he took our history, which had been suppressed for many generations, and made it relevant.  He gave our culture and traditions power. He showed us we need not walk in shame and that a single, committed man can forge a nation without becoming a politician.  Tehanetorens was of the Adirondacks in body and spirit. He left his Onchiota home to secure a teaching degree in Fredonia, NY then took a job at Tuscarora.  There he met the wonderful leader Clinton Rickard, a person who taught him about the greatness of our past. He came to Akwesasne at a time when our heritage was in peril. We had a language and a special way of cultivating the lands and waters among us but we did not have a longhouse as the traditional beliefs were effectively banned if not by statute then by those who were afraid of practices they deemed pagan.  Tehanetorens was part of that very small group which shook us awake when he helped build a longhouse and, after relearning the ceremonies, began to openly celebrate what had once been driven underground.  As he recalled, the first ceremonies attracted only a few Akwesasnorens - one man sang and two danced.  Remember this the next time Midwinter comes about and the longhouse is crowded almost to the rafters. He did much more than this. He was the best teacher we have ever had in any of our schools. Besides the standard subjects he brought something else to the classroom, the power of pride.  His students were not beaten into silence, belittled into shame or ruthlessly purged of their dignity. They looked backwards and began to uncover the amazing truth as to who they were as Mohawks.  Being Mohawk was good, a simple phrase at odds with the texts and standard teachings of the day. From his classes at the Mohawk School came those amazing charts showing the Native contributions to the world, the majestic oratory of our past leaders, the genius of our politics. His students learned about Cannesatego's call for the union of the colonies. They discovered that democracy was invented were and not in class restricted Europe. They found out that our ancestors were scientists, engineers, astronomers.  He formed the Akwesasne Counsellor's Organization and took his students to every site of historical importance in eastern North America. From Cherokee, North Carolina to the Atlantic shores the Mohawk boys and girls took strength from what they saw and in turn encouraged other Natives to cast off the shackles of propaganda and rise as nations. Without Tehanetorens there would not have been a White Roots of Peace, an Akwesasne Notes,  CKON Radio, Indian Time, Freedom School or Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs.  There would be no land claims, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne would still be the St. Regis Band Council.  Akwesasne as a place of power would not be, we would be calling
ourselves the "St. Regis Indians".  The new scholarship across America which is finally seeing us as were were, and are, would not have taken root had not Tehanetorens given those self serving academics a good kick in their intellectual rear ends. He inspired students from everywhere.  And when his time as a teacher ended at Akwesasne he did not fade into the background but created a haven in Onchiota when he opened the Six Nations Museum over 50 years ago.  That place is our mecca where we go to be renewed.  For those of us who heard Tehanetorens' words the power of what he said cannot be forgotten or ignored.  He was passionate, angry at times and had the absolute right to call things as they were.  Tehanetorens deserves honours beyond counting yet he would never accept
tribute while he was with us.  I am at a loss as to the right way to pay him the homage he merits.  But I will state this: he was the best human being I ever met.  11-18-08 Doug George-Kanentiio
 

Wanda L. Candler, (TN) 74, Stopped her battle with kidney failure and pancreatic cancer on Oct. 25th 2008.  She spent the last 13 years longing to be free of all the earthly illnesses and fly with my Father.  Her prayers were answered and we miss her but take great comfort in knowing she suffers no more. Sandra Babblingbrook Reynolds, 11-11-08
 

 

 

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Memorials...

 

In Memory of Bill Prezwoznik Bill Prezwoznik was one of the four founders of Manataka.  His wisdom and love guided Manataka through its infancy and his words and unselfish deeds are often recalled.

In Memory of Corbin Harney Corbin Harney Spiritual Leader of the Western Shoshone Nation who dedicated his life to fighting the nuclear testing and dumping.  He loved and cared for his family, friends and all creation.

In Memory of Granny Messenger She had over a 1,000 grandchildren but never bore a child. Her memory will live with us forever.  Veronica Messenger was a great woman. Anonymous Contributor

In Memory of Lance Selvidge Webster’s definition of a Martyr:  1:  A person who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty of witnessing to and refusing to renounce a belief.  2: A person who sacrifices something of great value, especially life itself for the sake of principle.  Lance, we are all better because you walked this world, we will all become better because you look back with eyes from the angels world. Thank You.  The Selvidge Family. Little River Rock.

In Memory of Ruby Gilliham We will always remember this gracious and beautiful woman in our hearts.  She will remain a part of Manataka forever.  (picture: Members of the Kootenai-Salish Tribe assist with her funeral. Greg Gilliham, Little Rock.

 

 

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December 2008 ELDER COUNCIL MEETING

 

The Elder Council meeting was postponed until January 20 due to conflicting holiday events.   Any member who wishes to appear before the Elder Council is invited to write manataka@sbcglobal.net or call 501-627-055 to be placed on the agenda. 

• Minutes -

• Treasury -

• Donations -

• Women's Council - Becky Flaming Owl Moore, chair. 

• NAGPRA (Native American Grave Preservation and Repatriation Act) - Blue Star Speaks, chair. 

• Communications -  Lee Standing Bear

• Public Relations - Linda VanBibber, chair. 

• Education - Robert Gray Hawk Coke, chair.

• Announcements - None. 

Details of the Elder Council meetings are presented to the general membership following the meeting.

 

 

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MANATAKA ORGANIZATIONAL MESSAGES

 

NOTICE 1:    FOOD BASKETS NEEDED NOW!  people are hungry often throughout the year.  Please bring or send non-perishable food items. Gift cards for food from Walmart, Safeway and other stores are great. 

 

NOTICE 2:    REGULAR MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS - 1:00 p.m., 3rd Sunday each month at Gulpha Gorge.  In case of inclement weather (rain, sleet, snow, below 40 degrees) we meet Ryan's Restaurant located at 4538 Central Avenue across from Hot Springs Mall.

 

Gatherings are normally held on the 3rd weekend of June (closest to the Summer Solstice) and the 3rd weekend of October (closest to the Winter Solstice).  The date of the Spring Encampment varies from year to year. 

 

NOTICE 3:    WOMEN’S COUNCIL MEETINGS - 11:30 a.m., 1st Saturday each month.  Contact: Becky Moore

 

NOTICE 4:    PAID YOUR DUES?
Now is a good time to support the many programs, services and events of MAIC. We can always use a donation. Pay by check or credit card online. It's easy, secure and fast!   Click Here  Or send to: MAIC, PO Box 476, Hot Springs, AR 71902

 

NOTICE 5:      MATERIAL DONATIONS NEEDED BY MANATAKA
1.  30 gallon plastic storage boxes with lids.

 

2.  LAND -  Donate land to be used as financing leverage for to build a cultural center. Any size/location is acceptable. Tax benefits may apply.

 

3.  MEMORIAL GIFTS - When a friend or relative passes, honor their memory and send a tax deductible  contribution to MAIC and we will send the family a beautiful letter and memorial certificate in your name.  Memorial ceremonies are given several times a year on the sacred mountain.

 

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED

STAMPS, PAPER AND OTHER SUPPLIES!

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Publisher:	Manataka American Indian Council PO Box 476 Hot Springs, AR 71902-0476 501-627-0555 manataka@sbcglobal.net http://www.manataka.org
Editor:	Lee Standing Bear Moore
MAIC Correspondents:	Jennifer Attaway, Alabama Sheri Awi Anida Waya Burnett, Georgia Robert King Coke - Grey Hawk, Texas Bonnie Two Owl Feathers Delcourt, New Hampshire Maxine Elisi Swan Dancer Fulgham Crystal Harvey, Arkansas Carol Henderson Hawk With Seven Eyes Hoffman, Illinois John James, Missouri Bennie LeBeau, Wyoming Julie Maltagliati, Florida Grandmother Selma Palmer, Florida Carol Perez Petersen,  California Magdala Ramirez, Arkansas Bobby Joe Runninbear, Tennessee RedWing and Gray Beard Vinson, Tennessee Osceola Birdman Waters, Australia Waynonaha Two Worlds, New York Linda VanBibber, Missouri Liora Leah Zack, California
Contributors:	Blue Panther Keeper of Stories David Cornsilk, Oklahoma Don Coyhis Andrea Crambit, California Harvey Walks With Hawks Doyle, Jr., Kentucky Romaine Garcia, Colorado Dr. Donald A. Grinde, Jr.   Valerie Eagle Heart Dr. Bruce E. Johansen Mark and Carla Maslin, New Mexico Dr. Joseph Mercola Organic Consumers Association Elvina Jean Paulson Corina Roberts, California Scott Treaty, Lakota Union of Concerned Scientists Qwina H. and Irma West, Piaute Amy Worthington, Idaho

 

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